Kazemat (B10), Betonnen werken Muiden-Muiderberg

English translation

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Description

Cluster 2. Cast steel Dome Casemate type G.

NEW HOLLANDSE WATERLINIE

Introduction

CAST STEEL DOME CASEMATE TYPE G (Remnant) as part of linear and access defence with trench systems, group shelters and the like. In 1936, as a supplement to the reinforced concrete casemate, the so-called cast steel dome casemate was introduced in the Netherlands, which was based on a system already applied in France in 1917. The armoured domes used were small in size (favourable with regard to visibility and hit probability), round in shape (favourable with regard to deflecting hits and strength), relatively simple to produce in series and they had an 'external' firing opening (favourable with regard to gases and sound). Moreover, they could be manufactured in the Netherlands, which significantly reduced dependence on foreign countries. An initial order of 100 units in the Netherlands (at DEMKA) was followed by a second order of 50 units from the Belgian Soc. Anonyme John Cockerill. In total, more than 700 must have been cast in a short period, but only a few have survived. The cast steel domes, with a diameter of 1.75 m and thicknesses of 10-17 centimetres, were installed in multiple casemate types with resistance classes W 12-15 to W 21-28.

Shortly before the beginning of the Second World War, so-called Cast Steel Dome Casemates Type G were constructed in various places in the Dutch lines, in particular in the IJssel line, the Meuse line, the Grebbelinie (each approx. 150) and the New Hollandse Waterlinie (approx. 80). The usual construction of reinforced concrete with one or more fixed gun openings was abandoned in favour of a system that had a firing direction that could be projected within variable limits (up to 270°) within a cast steel cylinder with dome roof. Most domes were placed in the Dome Casemates Type G. Cast Steel Dome Casemates Type G were built according to a standardised design and consist of a cast steel dome (usually removed), which is anchored in a reinforced concrete structure. On the front side there was a firing opening with a protruding part - an 'eyebrow' for protection of the weapon - and on the other side an entrance closed by a steel shutter. The concrete structure consists of a relatively low rectangular building with a bevelled section on the front side to achieve maximum field of fire. The standard armament consisted of a heavy machine gun. The firing opening and access to the casemate could be sealed 'gas-tight' from the inside.

During the Second World War, by far the majority of domes in the interior were demolished by the occupier from the casemates - partly by blowing them up - to be recast for other steel requirements. On the coast they were partly incorporated into the defence, but were mostly demolished after the war. As a result, complete dome casemates are rare, but they still occur, among others, at the Fort bij Vechten.

Description

CAST STEEL DOME CASEMATE TYPE G (Remnant) from 1939-1940, located south of Muiden on the west bank of the river Vecht. The Vecht formed an access in the water line and possessed important sea and inundation locks and therefore had to be defended extra. Standard cast steel dome casemates type G are relatively low, almost square, concrete casemates (approx. 7.00 x 6.20 x 2.20 m; w x d x h), with at the level of the space hollowed out for the dome a backwards sloping surface. On the rear side a recess in the concrete to be able to enter the dome. The specimen has been blown up and as a result shows serious concrete damage; the dome has been removed and remelted. The casemate is not accessible. Near the dome casemate stands a group shelter of type P.

Valuation

The CAST STEEL DOME CASEMATE TYPE G (Remnant) is of general interest because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandse Waterlinie as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially realised from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and major-engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently strengthened and improved by others over approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values in particular as an expression of military-strategic building science, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th and 20th century), b. the race with strengthening offensive means (20th century) c. the system of 'living' field fortification in depth (20th century)

The component is a remnant of a reinforced concrete casemate from 1939-1940.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandse Waterlinie and because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The component is representative (characteristic) because it is clearly recognisable as an element of a de-concentrated defence line added to the existing defence system.

* The component is moderately well-preserved as a result of wilful damage in the period 1940-1945, but it can still be well recognised in the field as a constructed element.